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How to Bathe a Cat
By José Omar Rodríguez MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Read on for our guide and learn how often you should bathe your cat.
Bathing a cat may seem like a daunting task, as most felines are known for their aversion to water. However, it needs to be done; giving your cat a bath is essential for their health and hygiene.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of bathing your cat successfully.
Table of contents
9 Steps to Bathe Your Cat
1. Prepare Ahead:
First, gather all the necessary supplies. This should be done prior to bringing your cat anywhere near water. You’ll need cat-friendly shampoo, a non-slip mat for the bathtub or sink, soft towels, a gentle brush, and a handheld sprayer or cup for wetting and rinsing your cat.
2. Brush Your Cat:
Brush your cat’s fur to remove any loose hair or mats. This makes the bathing process smoother, helps reduce shedding, and prevents your drains from clogging with fur.
3. Trim the Nails:
If your cat’s nails are long, consider trimming them before the bath to prevent any scratches.
4. Test the Water Temperature:
Fill the tub or sink with lukewarm water (about 2 to 3 inches should be alright). Test the water with your wrist before placing your cat in it.
5. Gently Introduce Your Cat to the Water:
Gradually (and gently) place your cat in the water. We recommend offering treats and playful reinforcement to create positive associations with the bathing experience.
6. Use Calming Techniques:
Calm your cat by speaking to them in a soothing tone and stroking their fur. It’s essential to keep the atmosphere relaxed and stress-free.
7. Apply Cat-Friendly Shampoo:
Once your cat is wet and calm, apply a small amount of cat-specific shampoo and start lathering it gently into the fur. Avoid the face and ears, as cats are sensitive in these areas.
8. Rinse Thoroughly:
Rinse your cat thoroughly with lukewarm water and make sure all the shampoo is washed away. Leftover soap residue can irritate your cat’s skin.
9. Dry Your Cat:
Gently lift your cat from the water. Use several towels to blot excess water from their fur, being careful not to rub vigorously. You could use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process — but make sure the device is in its coolest temperature setting.
How to Bathe a Cat FAQs
How often should I bathe my cat?
Can I use regular human shampoo on my cat?
Are there any signs that my cat is not tolerating the bath well?
Can I bathe my cat if they have fleas?
Should I bathe a kitten?
Summary of Money’s guide on how to bathe a cat
Bathing a cat is crucial for their health and hygiene. Even though the process can be a bit challenging (due to a cat’s infamous aversion to water), there are steps you can take to make the process stress-free — and even pleasurable — for both you and your cat. This guide outlines nine steps for a successful cat bath, including gathering supplies, brushing, trimming nails, testing water temperature, introducing the cat to water gradually, using calming techniques, applying cat-friendly shampoo, thorough rinsing, and gentle drying.
José Omar has been at Money Group since 2019, where he found the perfect intersection of his love for writing, creativity, and passion for personal finance and the broader economy. In addition to his work for Money Magazine, he also manages a team of personal finance writers for ConsumersAdvocate.org, editing and writing hundreds of company reviews every year. In 2008, José Omar graduated cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico Law School, specializing in labor law. He then became an administrative judge for the Puerto Rico Department of Labor, where he presided over unemployment benefit disputes, demonstrating his commitment to fairness and justice. José Omar later held the position of Writer and subsequently Editor in Chief at Gustazos.com, a prominent e-commerce company in Puerto Rico. His creative journey continued when he took on the role of Creative Director at P2P, a Puerto Rico-based advertising agency, where he honed his skills in delivering impactful messages. José Omar has worked in media for over 25 years, becoming the youngest writer for the #1 comedy show in Puerto Rico at the age of 16. That early success led him to contribute to several other TV shows and films both locally and internationally, showcasing his talent for crafting compelling narratives. Today, José Omar continues to blend his diverse skill set, contributing his unique perspective to the world of personal finance as a valuable member of the Money Group team. His work has been featured in publications such as the Sacramento Bee, the Miami Herald, and the Kansas City Star.